Truth & Tidings Magazine

For That All Have Sinned

When we think about sin, we tend to think of terrible crimes: violence, terrorism, extortion, kidnapping, just to name a few. God’s Word tells us in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” We can depend on God’s Word as being always true and accurate. This verse gives a clear picture of who is guilty of sin and the result of it. It leaves no room for us to judge or measure the type, size, or amount of the sins of others.

As a boy of nine I always thought that I was a pretty good kid and salvation was for all of those bad kids around me. On September 3, 1971, the Christians in McKeesport, PA, had a picnic and everyone had a great time. When we arrived home, I ran upstairs and stopped dead in my tracks as I saw that our house had been robbed. Sleep was very difficult that night as my mind raced with many thoughts. First and foremost, in spite of others (in my opinion) not being as good as I was, I was still a sinner, lost and not sure of heaven.

The next day, I was thinking more seriously about salvation. But morning meeting and Sunday school passed and my hope of salvation coming to me started to fade. Gospel meeting that night remains vivid in my mind. One of the speakers said, “Turn to John chapter three.” Automatically, I began reciting verse sixteen. I was sure this was what he was going to read. Was I wrong! Instead he read John 3:17, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him (ESV).” That night, I came to realize that, in the eyes of God, I was no different than those perceived bad kids. We are all sinners. God did not send His Son to condemn, but to save. One sin, regardless of size or type, is enough to keep us from being in heaven. God knew this, which is why He sent the Lord Jesus to be the bridge over the gap between God and me.

September 4, 1971 is the day that I realized that I was a sinner and that Jesus died for me. I am very thankful for those beautiful words, “Christ is the Savior of sinners, Christ is the Savior for me.” Consider carefully: you are part of the “ALL HAVE SINNED.” The loving Savior is waiting for you today.